Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

Question 1

What happened in 1978 in Afghanistan?

Answer 1

• In 1978, a civil war broke out in Afghanistan. Rebels were protesting at new radical reforms brought in by the Afghan communist government, which had close ties to the Soviet Union.

Question 2

What were the problems with the Soviet-Afghan War for the USSR?

Answer 2

• 15,000 Soviet troops were killed and the government spent huge amounts of money, but the USSR couldn’t win.
• The Soviet-Afghan War led to a loss of public support in the USSR for the ccommunist regime. The Soviet people were angry at falling living standard, which had deteriorated as a direct result of high spending in Afghanistan.

Question 3

What problems for Brezhnev were caused by the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

Answer 3

• The war was an embarrasment for Brezhnev and undermined the USSR’s strong military reputation, which was esseential for keeeping its satellite states under control.
• The invasion also caused outcry in the international community. In 1980, the USA and over 50 other countries (including Canada and West Germany) boycotted the Moscow Olympic Games, in protest at the Soviet Afghan War.

Question 4

When did the UN condemn the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

Answer 4

• In January 1980, the UN condemned the invasion. It proposed a resolution demanding Soviet withdrawal, but the resolution was vetoed by the USSR.

Question 5

Why did the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan cause the Superpowers to move away from Détene?

Answer 5

• Soviet intervention in Afghanistan was interpreted by the USA as an act of communist expansionism. In 1979, US President Jimmy Carter was so alarmed he stopped the SALT 2 Treaty being ratified by the US Senate, meaning it could never come into effect. Instead, he called for an increase in the defence budget.
• The USA was also worried the USSR was trying to gain influence in the Persian Gulf, close to Afghan border. The oil rich area had formed close ties with the West, and Carter thought Soviet influence in Afghanistan threatened US interests there. President Carter issued the Carter Doctrine